‘And they took counsel together that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him.'

The purpose of their gathering was in order to discuss together how they could deal with the menace in their midst. But they were aware of how ticklish the situation was, for unfortunately, as they knew, the main part of the common people, especially the large number of visitors for the Feast from Galilee and Peraea, favoured Jesus, and saw Him as a prophet. Thus they knew that to arrest Him publicly could easily arouse the passions of the already impassioned crowd. Such an arrest would therefore necessarily have to be carried out with subtlety so that it would not incur trouble. However, their main intention was clear. It was necessary for Him to be put to death ‘for the sake of the nation' (John 11:49). The only question was as to how they could bring it about without any trouble.

‘They took counsel together.' Compare the Davidic Psalms 31:13, ‘For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side, while they  took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.' That too spoke of a member of the Davidic house who was finding the way difficult and found himself being plotted against, and in danger of his life. Compare also Psalms 2:2, ‘the rulers  took counsel together  against the Lord and against His Anointed (Messiah)'. It was not therefore a new attitude for Jewish leaders.

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